Orioles have interest in outfielder Jonny Gomes

Eduardo A. EncinaThe Baltimore Sun

The Orioles have interest in free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, an industry source has confirmed.

Gomes' name is one of many the Orioles are considering early in the free agency market, but the Orioles could use an additional bat with a history of success against left-handed pitching well for their DH spot.

Gomes put up a .299/.413/.561 line against left-handed pitching with 11 homers and 26 RBIs in 196 plate appearances last season. He is a career .284/.382/.512 hitter against left-handed pitching.

Gomes isn't necessarily known for his glove, but he could also be a situational fit in left field. He could also possibly transition to first base.

I covered Gomes in his early years with the Rays and he'd be an easy fit into the Orioles clubhouse. He's a gritty player who is known as a good teammate.

He's a cost-efficient option since he made just $1 million this past season playing for his hometown Oakland A's. Gomes put up a .262/.377/.491 line with a .868 on-base plus slugging percentage this season.

The Orioles' interest in Gomes was first reported by ESPN.com's Buster Olney.

Also, the Orioles signed relievers Daniel McCutchen and Dan Meyer to minor league deals, MLBTradeRumors.com reported.

McCutchen, who pitched parts of four major league seasons with the Pirates, was 7-2 with a 2.98 ERA in 36 relief appearances at Triple-A Indianapolis last season. Meyer pitched for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League last season, going 2-6 with a 7.02 ERA in 18 appearances there.